“Boardwalk to the Beach”

Oil     6”x8”     Canvas Board

I haven’t had much opportunity to paint palm trees, so I had to try a close-up version of one on my last morning in Florida. So many different greens, it’s hard to get enough variety in them, while also concentrating on composition, depth, value, detail, balance, etc. in the space of about two hours before the light changes too much to continue. There are way too many things to think about and try to analyze while doing a painting. The trick is to get into the “zone” and just have fun.

“Sun and Sea”

Oil     6”x8”      Canvas Board

Another painting from about the same vantage point as yesterday’s, only looking a little more to the east, toward the rising sun. The sun was just behind the clouds, casting a yellow glow on everything. I love when there’s glare on the water, but I find it’s really hard to get it to look as bright as it actually appears. I don’t know the trick, but I’m going to keep trying to figure it out.

“Canaveral Beach”

Oil     6”x8”     Canvas Board

A slightly different subject than my usual landscapes! I spent the past week in Florida and managed to do some painting on location. I haven’t painted outdoors since around the first of November, so it was great to get out of the studio and enjoy the sun and sounds of the surf…even the wind felt good since it didn’t involve a “wind chill” factor. I’m a little rusty at solving all the challenges of plein air painting, but I can’t wait until it’s warm enough here at home to get out and paint again regularly.

“Allis’ Place”

 

Oil     6”x8”     Canvas Board

For the longest time, this old Allis-Chalmers tractor was parked in front of the garage by the little white house near my uncle’s place. I looked for it every time I drove by. Then one day it was gone. I never knew the story, but I loved seeing that bright splash of orange, no matter the season or the time of day. I chose to paint the summer version of it, reminiscent of its days on the farm.

“Pretty in Pink”

Oil     6”x8”     Canvas Board

Every 4th of July, this wonderful, old pink boat is part of the parade on Cotton Lake in Minnesota. It’s the most delightful bubble gum color and is all original right down to the wooden seats. This year, I happened to be kayaking on the lake, early on the morning of July 5th, and spotted it pulled up on shore. (really…how could you miss it?) I snapped a couple of pictures, knowing it would make a very fun subject for a painting, especially on this winter night when the temperature is headed to 20+ below.

“The Young Violinist”

Oil     6”x8”     Canvas Board

My nephew just started playing the violin a few months ago and he’s doing phenomenally well. I wanted to capture the concentration and determination he brings to these early days of mastering a new instrument. It’s a real challenge to catch the likeness of somebody you’re close to. I must have repainted it 50 times! I finally had to just quit tweaking things. I hope I came close enough that he’ll at least see something of himself in this little portrait.

“Elementary Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water”

Oil     6”x24”     Stretched Canvas

I’ve just completed this little 4-part painting for a show called “A Woman’s Perspective” in which the theme is “The Elements.” I thought about doing a landscape featuring all four elements in some way, or maybe trying a more abstract approach to the subject. But I just couldn’t get excited about either one of those. Then I hit on the idea of using still-life objects to symbolize earth, air, fire, and water. What came to mind were the toys a child might use in those early days of exploring and making sense of their world. How much more “elementary” can you get?